Perhaps somewhat uninspired by Top Chef Masters, I thought I would see if visiting contestant Suzanne Tracht's LA restaurant, JAR, would sate me until Padma and Tom return. From her winning meal on the show, I didn't expect the steakhouse offerings on the menu. The atmosphere was sparse, but my date and I were tucked in a cute corner with a view of the restaurant, service and celebs (of which there were several, I can't speak to the popularity pre-show vs. post-show).
While our initial service was a little slow - we waited for our water until I was parched and for our bread until my date asked for it. However, once a couple of the nearby tables turned the service improved. I would strongly recommend patrons to bring a notepad for the specials. There were far too many to comprehend and review - choice is great, but give me a written description. However, the server's ability to rattle off what seemed to be the table of contents for Joy of Cooking was impressive.
I wasn't looking for, nor expecting steak that evening, but as it appeared to be a large portion of the menu options I decided I should try the filet. It was beautifully cooked with a great taramind sauce. I would still rank the filet at Wolfgang's in Beverly Hills slightly higher, but it could have been the martinis that night!
Our service remained somewhat attentive, but for the price of the meal, I would have liked the servers to have smaller sections to encourage a more personal touch. With a steak of that caliber and a slightly more intimate relationship with the server could have elevated the meal to an experience.
A visit to JAR will however, soothe your foodie needs until a new season of Top Chef.
JAR
8225 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
323.655.6566
http://www.thejar.com/
Monday, July 6, 2009
Read: "From Market to Menu: An Interview With Chef Ben Ford"
A friend of mine, Eli Sussman, moonlight-chef, caterer and published cookbook author (Freshman in the Kitchen) has interviewed Chef Ben Ford for LAist. Here's the link - http://laist.com/2009/07/06/from_market_to_menu_an_interview_wi.php - enjoy!
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